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This neglects positive externalities, doesn't it? The NY Metro is economically vital but can't recoup its operating expenses from ticket sales, so it relies on
by roywiggins 9y ago
This neglects positive externalities, doesn't it? The NY Metro is economically vital but can't recoup its operating expenses from ticket sales, so it relies on taxes (and, unfortunately, a lot of debt). Nobody would say the MTA is exactly a model of a functioning subway system but there's no principle that says a subway can't be funded with taxes and tickets in combination.
- neltnerb 9y agoSeems to me that the benefit to non-riders is simply that the cars those riders would be using aren't on the roads that they are using.
- deleted 9y ago[deleted]
- graycat 9y agoThere is such a principle and even a law, cost/benefit analysis. And it doesn't consider your externalities. C/B analysis is especially simple for a train -- can estimate the benefit from the ticket revenue. If more is needed, then the train fails C/B analysis. But for the NY and NYC MTA, they don't care because NYC needs the trains. For the rest of the country, they should and do care. If you want my tax money for your new dreamy trains, then I will tell my representatives to vote no.
- roywiggins 9y agoSchools, roads, parks and libraries don't pay for themselves, either. Why should municipal transit be held to a higher standard?